NHS in East Sussex - 2009 press releases H+R

5 October 2010 - New look for sexual health campaign

The campaign to raise awareness of sexual health issues among young people in East Sussex is to get a fresh look.

30 September 2010 - Thousands visit the NHS Health Check bus in Hastings and Rother

Over 3,000 people in Hastings and Rother received key advice on leading a healthier lifestyle and improving health from the NHS Health Check bus, a partnership initiative from NHS Hastings and Rother and Pfizer.

29 September 2010 - Protect yourself against flu this winter

As winter approaches people most at risk of developing serious complications from seasonal flu are being urged to take advantage of a free jab.

13 September 2010 - Your views wanted on local pharmacy services

The NHS wants to know what you think about pharmacy services in your area.

22 September 2010 -Dementia care services in East Sussex set for investment

Care for people with dementia in East Sussex is set to radically improve over the coming months thanks to a one-off £5 million injection of NHS investment ring fenced for Sussex.

22 September 2010 - Speak up, Speak Out Protecting Vulnerable People

A major campaign has started in East Sussex to raise awareness and stop abuse of vulnerable adults.

22 September 2010 - Green light for mental health changes in East Sussex

Changes to mental health services in East Sussex have been given the green light by East Sussex County Council Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee today, paving the way for a programme of improvements in community mental health services.

22 September 2010 - New NHS service launched for people with skin conditions

People in Hastings and Rother are set to benefit from a new NHS service providing care and treatment for a range of skin conditions.

20 September 2010 - Free help and advice to Stay Warm, Stay Safe, Stay Well this winter.

Older people across the Hastings and Rother area can get free help and advice on staying warm, safe and well as the winter months edge closer. A series of events are being held during late September and early October in Hastings, St Leonards, Bexhill, Little Common, Battle and Rye.

20 September - Station Plaza Health Centre shortlisted for award

Station Plaza Health Centre in Hastings has made the shortlist of nominees for a prestigious building industry award. The £16 million facility, which opened in late May, houses 5 GP practices, including a Walk In Centre which is open from 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.

30 July 2010 - Improvements to local mental health services approved by NHS boards.

Proposals to make local mental health services better, so that more people are able to stay at home, rather than needing to go into hospital for care and treatment, have got the go ahead from local NHS boards.

27 July 2010 - Drop-in NHS advice service in Hastings.

A special service to give people information and advice on NHS services is coming to Station Plaza Health Centre (Note for editors) in Hastings. From Wednesday 4th August, NHS Hastings and Rothers Patient Advice & Liaison Service (PALS) will run a monthly drop-in service for people who would like confidential non-medical advice and support for themselves, a relative or someone they care for.

15 July 2010 - Catch the Bus, dont catch Chlamydia

A special bus is touring East Sussex during July and August to help encourage young people across the county to get tested for the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection in the UK. Chlamydia can affect both men and women.

14 July 2010 - Changes to the NHS

On Monday the Secretary of State for Health published a new NHS White Paper, setting out the coalition Governments vision for the NHS. This White Paper is the first step towards the Governments ambition for the NHS to achieve health outcomes and quality health services that are among the best in the world.

28 June 2010 - Enjoy the World Cup with a few freebies

People in Eastbourne and Hastings who are out drinking during the World Cup can get hold of free goodies to help encourage them to enjoy themselves responsibly. 1000 bottles of water and lollies will be distributed throughout the rest of the tournament (which runs until 11 July) by local street pastor teams.

28 June 2010 - New health records to support Gypsy and Traveller community

A new health record for the Gypsy and Traveller community is being launched this week in East Sussex (30 June 2010). The Personal Adult Health Record for Gypsies and Travellers has been developed by the local NHS (see Notes for editors) with input from people from the Gypsy and Traveller community.

21 June 2010 - New Hastings Walk In Centre now open

People in Hastings can now see a GP anytime between 8am and 8pm, seven days a week, after the new Walk In Centre opened its doors on Monday 21st June. The new facility is located on the ground floor of the new Station Plaza Health Centre, and means that anyone, regardless of whether they are registered with the practice, with another GP surgery or not at all, can walk in and see a GP or nurse without an appointment.

17 June 2010 - Events for Falls Awareness Week

Local organisations will be out and about around the Hastings and Rother area next week to mark National Falls Awareness Week.

16 June 2010 - Keep safe by kicking the habit

Dont let your home go up in flames...that's the message being put out to smokers by Hastings firefighters.

9 June 2010 - People in East Sussex urged to look after themselves and others during hot weather this summer

Many of us are looking forward to the summer; looking forward to sunny afternoons, holidays, ice creams and trips to the beach, but when its too hot for too long there can be health risks, especially for the elderly, the very young and the seriously ill. The NHS in East Sussex is urging everyone to see if they are at risk, think about vulnerable family members, friends or relatives, and remember our top tips for staying cool.

8 June 2010 - Living longer, living well

We want your views on the draft East Sussex Joint Commissioning Strategy 2010/2015 for adults in later life and their carers. We've called this document 'Living longer, living well'.

2 June 2010 - Play teaches children about smokefree lives

Primary school pupils in Hastings and St Leonards will be learning about the health benefits of a smokefree family environment during June, with help from the local NHS Stop Smoking Service and performances of a play called "Puff in a Huff".

1 June 2010 - Make sure to have your say on local mental health services

The deadline has been extended for people across East Sussex to give their views on proposals to change local mental health services so that more people are able to stay at home, rather than needing to go into hospital for care and treatment. The public consultation on proposed options for inpatient mental health care in the county was due to close on 1 June 2010. However, the consultation will now end at noon on Tuesday 8 June 2010.

24 May 2010 - Station Plaza opens

The new £16 million pound Station Plaza Health Centre in Hastings is now open, with the first patients having walked through the door on Monday 24th May. It follows an open day last week (20th May) during which more than 200 local people were given guided tours of the new building. These detailed the services which will be on offer for them to use.

12 May 2010 - NHS figures show a dramatic fall in infections in East Sussex

Latest full year figures show a dramatic fall in the number of patients in East Sussex acquiring the C-diff (Clostridium difficile) and MRSA infections

10 May 2010 - Local NHS Re-appointment

Stuart Welling has been re-appointed as a Non-executive director of NHS Hastings and Rother and Chair of the organisation's Audit Committee by the Appointments Commission. He was first appointed a Non-executive Director of NHS Hastings and Rother the working name of the local primary care trust - in June 2007.

10 May 2010 - NHS launches campaign to get men thinking about cancer

A campaign to raise awareness amongst men about cancer kicks off in Hastings this week. Its aimed at helping men aged 45 and over to be aware of the main early symptoms of bowel, prostate and lung cancer and to visit their GP as early as possible if they are experiencing any symptoms so that the disease can be diagnosed.

7 May 2010 - Open Day at new Station Plaza Health Centre

Local people are being urged to come and see inside the new £16 million Station Plaza Health Centre in Hastings, with an open day on Thursday 20th May 2010. The new building, which is next door to the towns main train station, has five-floors and has been purpose built to offer a high standard of health care in welcoming and modern surroundings. It is due to start treating patients on Monday 24th May 2010.

26 March 2010 - East Sussex community health services meet new, tougher standards of care

East Sussex community health services have met new regulations on safety and care. NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald & NHS Hastings and Rother - the two primary care trusts responsible for East Sussex community health services - are in the second wave of registrations under a new, tougher system for regulating standards in the NHS. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) today (26 March) announced plans to give the two primary care trusts (PCTs) a formal licence, without conditions, to provide servi

18 March 2010 - More local mums are breast feeding peers

A group of local mums have this week completed their training as breast feeding peer supporters in St Leonard's and Hastings.

4 March 2010 Women's Health Event on 12 March at Priory Meadow

This event will focus on many aspects of women's health. Those who come along will also be invited to try making a free fruit smoothie using the smoothie bike.

4 March 2010 - Have your say on improving local mental health services

People across East Sussex are being asked for their views on proposals to change local mental health services so that more people are able to stay at home, rather than needing to go into hospital for care and treatment.

10 February 2010 - Pan Flu Service to stand down

From Thursday (11th February), the National Pandemic Flu Service is going to be closed down as the number of swine flu cases continues to drop nationally. It will mean that if you are suffering from swine flu symptoms you will need to stay at home and call your local GP who will be able to help, and if necessary offer you antiviral medication.

20 January 2010 - Almost one in four people in East Sussex are over 65 years of age

People who are 65 and over make up nearly a quarter (23%) of the population of East Sussex, compared to the national average of 16% - The county also has the highest percentage of people over 85 of any county in England (3.8% or 19,331 people). - Almost four thousand older people retired to East Sussex between mid 2006 and mid 2007. Those are just some of the facts highlighted in the third annual Public Health Report for East Sussex, which this year focuses on the health and well-being of older people.

20 January 2010 Cervical Cancer Awareness Week

Women aged 25 - 64 years are being urged to take up their regular smear tests during Cervical Cancer Awareness Week (24 30 January).

19 January 2010 - Local people invited to drop in as health centre arts project sets up gallery in former shop

The Station Plaza Health Centre arts project has found a temporary new home in a vacant shop in the centre of Hastings. The arts scheme is aimed at creating a record of the move by five local GPs into the new £16 million building next to Hastings Train Station which is due to open in May 2010.

18 January 2010 - 'New Year, New You' alcohol safety campaign

A new partnership alcohol campaign called 'New Year, New You' has been launched this week urging people to re-think their drink this New Year. The East Sussex Safer Communities Partnership campaign is targeting people who often drink alcohol at home in the evening after a days work, but who do not realise that they may be causing long term damage to their health.

15 January 2010 - LOCAL PEOPLE TO BENEFIT FROM BOWEL CANCER SCREENING

Men and women in Sussex are being invited to take part in a national bowel screening programme to combat bowel cancer. Those aged between 60 and 69 and registered with a GP in the area will be sent a letter of invitation as they reach the ages targeted by the campaign.

13 January 2010 - Want to stick to your New Years Resolutions? NHS Health Trainers in Hastings and Rother will help

The NHS Health Trainers are launching a new drop-in service to help people in Hastings and Rother to stick to their New Years resolutions. The trainers are qualified local people who know and understand the communities they are working.

12 January 2010 - Snow heroes : NHS in East Sussex thanks staff and public for all their efforts during the big freeze

The recent spell of widespread snow and ice affecting East Sussex has thrown up countless examples of NHS staff and others going the extra mile to make sure that local people got the care and support they needed.

30 December 2009 East Sussex Alcohol Strategy wins an award

The newly revised East Sussex Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy has recently been awarded a prestigious Kite mark by Alcohol Concern.

22 December - Feeling unwell? - NHS urges people to make the right choices this winter

With the Festive period almost upon us, the NHS in East Sussex is urging local people to make the right choice of service if they feel unwell, especially over Christmas and the New Year when normal opening hours do not always apply. There are a host of NHS services you can get help and advice from, both face to face and over the phone.

16 December 2009 - East Sussexs 12 TIPS OF QUIT-MAS

With the December social calendar fit to bursting with Christmas parties and family get-togethers, its no surprise that most smokers tend to wait until the clock strikes midnight on New Years Eve to make the decision to quit smoking.

15 December 2009 Children sing at Irvine Unit Carol Service

The children of Chantry Primary School Choir summed up the spirit of Christmas for the Mayor's Carol Service at the Irvine Unit, at Bexhill Hospital on Tues 8 December.

3 December 2009 - NHS records in Hastings to go online to improve patient care

Patients in Hastings are to receive faster, more efficient health care with the introduction of a new online service. The NHS Summary Care Records (SCR) programme will allow patients to choose to have a secure electronic record containing key health information about them.

3 December 2009 - New guide to local NHS services out now

The new, fully updated guide to NHS services in the Hastings borough and Rother district has been dropping through people's letterboxes in recent weeks. The 16 page booklet, which is packed with information on improving your health, as well as details of local NHS services, has been delivered to every household across the area.

2 December 2009 Message in a Bottle scheme thank you to Lions

A thank you tea party has been held by NHS Hastings and Rother & NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald - the countys two primary care trusts (PCTs) - for co-ordinators of the East Sussex Lions Clubs Message in a Bottle emergency information scheme.

27 November 2009 - New partnership to manage East Sussex community health services

The boards of the two East Sussex primary care trusts (PCTs) NHS Hastings and Rother and NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald have agreed to share the management of East Sussex community health services with South Downs Health NHS Trust.

26 November 2009 Cheeky Girls at World AIDS Day poetry event

On Tuesday 1st December from 7.30pm the Cheeky Girls will be coming along to an awards presentation in recognition of World AIDS Day, at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill.

17 November 2009 - Advice on staying warm and well this winter

As winter approaches, with swine flu and seasonal flu both spreading in the community, people in East Sussex should do all they can to stay as healthy as possible. PLUS The importance of keeping your home warm and safe this winter is being highlighted by NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald and NHS Hastings and Rother as part of the national Keep Warm Keep Well campaign.

17 November 2009 - People most at risk from swine flu encouraged to make sure they have the vaccination

People most at risk of developing complications from swine flu are being urged to have the swine flu vaccination when they are offered it. Four priority groups have been identified by the Department of Health as those most at risk, and people in these groups are starting to be contacted by their GP across the county.

21 October 2009 - Non-executive director appointed to NHS Hastings and Rother board

A new Non-executive director has been appointed for NHS Hastings and Rother by the Appointments Committee. Charles Ellis worked in the NHS for 24 years, including as Director of service planning for East Sussex Hospital NHS Trust, before retiring early because of ill health in 2004. Since then he has worked with the local NHS on a number of major projects. More recently he has established CE Access, a business offering consultancy, audits and advice to employers on meeting the requirements of the Disab

19 October 2009 - Wanted - the county's best poets and writers to mark World AIDS Day

The NHS in East Sussex is calling on all budding poets and writers to enter a special competition to mark World AIDS Day, 1st December 2009.

19 - 23 October 2009 Alcohol Awareness Week

During Alcohol Awareness Week everyone is being urged to rethink their drink

15 October 2009 - Annual Health Check results for NHS Hastings and Rother

In the ratings announced today for 2008/09, NHS Hastings and Rother received a 'good' rating for quality of commissioning and a 'fair' rating for use of resources. The rating for 2007/08 was fair and good respectively.

13 October 2009 - Bexhill school food conference

Over a hundred pupils from Bexhill primary schools are having their say about school food AND learning more about healthy eating at the Bexhill School Food Conference on Wednesday 14th October at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill.

9 October 2009 - NHS in East Sussex celebrates helping almost 20,000 people to stop smoking

The NHS Stop Smoking Service for East Sussex is ten years old. During the past decade the service has helped almost twenty thousand people across the county to stop, enough to fill both Eastbourne Borough and Hastings United's home grounds to capacity - twice!

9 October 2009 - Poll shows widespread satisfaction with NHS across Hastings and Rother

More than 8 out of 10 local people are happy with the service they get from their local NHS. Thats one of the findings of a poll, carried out by Ipsos MORI on behalf of the NHS, to find out what people living in the area served by NHS Hastings and Rother think about local health services.

30 September 2009 Health fair at Priory Meadow

Staff at the NHS Hastings and Rother health fair at Priory Meadow on 22 September were delighted at the number of local people looking for information on staying healthy.

11 September 2009 Maternity Services in East Sussex leaflet

The new leaflet about plans for maternity services in East Sussex and how to get involved.

3 September 2009 - NHS in East Sussex thanks County Council for support on swine flu as library vans return to normal duty

The NHS in East Sussex has expressed its thanks to the County Council for helping in the effort to deal with swine flu Over the past few weeks the council's two mobile library vans have been used as antiviral collection points (ACPs) at the Eastbourne District General Hospital and the Conquest Hospital in Hastings.

3 September 2009 - NHS in East Sussex warns parents not to use animal flea treatments to tackle head lice

The NHS in East Sussex is warning parents to only use approved treatments for treating head lice on their children. It comes after evidence emerged that a handful of mums and dads are using a pet medicine for fleas instead.

14 August 2009 - PANDEMIC VACCINE PRIORITY FOR MOST AT RISK

The priority groups who will be first in line for vaccination against swine flu will include pregnant women, frontline health and social care workers, and everyone in at-risk groups aged over six months, Health Secretary Andy Burnham announced today.

6 August 2009 Flu friends, all people need to do is call!

A new service is being launched in Sussex to help vulnerable people should they become ill with flu.

30 July 2009 Your thoughts on local crime and safety

If you live in East Sussex you now have the opportunity to tell the East Sussex Safer Communities Partnership what you think about crime and anti-social behaviour in your local area and you could win £100 in our prize draw!

20 July 2009 Free new Cooking for One sessions in Rye

FREE cooking sessions are on offer for older men with little or no experience in the kitchen.

29 June 2009 Stepping to healthier feet

On Tuesday 30th June between 9am and 5pm, members of the public will head down to the Priory Meadow shopping centre to receive health promotion advice about diabetes and the feet.

26 June 2009 - Non-executive director appointed to NHS Hastings & Rother board

Dr Ruth Kosmin has been appointed as a non-executive director of NHS Hastings & Rother by the Appointments Commission. She is an economist who has worked in the Treasury and other government departments for the last 30 years where she was responsible for a variety of policy areas including public sector pay, housing, defence, European issues and recruitment.

22 June 2009 - If you want to stop smoking, East Sussex is a good place to be.

The NHS Stop Smoking Service across the county is now classed as gold standard (see notes for editors) after it helped almost three and half thousand people to quit in 2008/09.

22 June 2009 - 22 June 2009 - Latest figures show NHS campaign on Chlaymdia in East Sussex is working

Recently published figures (from the Health Protection Agency) show that a campaign to encourage young people in East Sussex to get tested for Chlamydia is having a marked effect.

17 June 2009 - Awards success for the NHS in Hastings & Rother

Details of an award for NHS staff in Hastings & Rother

12 June 2009 - WHO declare Pandemic Phase 6

Dr Diana Grice, Director of Public Health for NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald and NHS Hastings and Rother, Dr Tom Scanlon, Director of Public Health for NHS Brighton and Hove and Dr Peter Hayward, Acting Director of Public Health for West Sussex PCT, said: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared that we are now in Pandemic Phase 6. This means that we are entering a pandemic period and there is increased and sustained transmission.

11 June - Mens health in the spotlight

An event encouraging men to take care of themselves on the inside and out will take place in Hastings next week. As part of Mens Health Week the event, Inside Out will give young men aged 16-25 advice and information on how to have a healthy lifestyle whilst having fun at the same time

10 June 2009 - New case of Swine Influenza has been confirmed in Sussex

Dr Diana Grice, Director of Public Health for NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald and NHS Hastings and Rother, and Peter Hayward, Acting Director of Public Health for West Sussex PCT, said: A further case of Swine Influenza has been confirmed in Sussex NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald and NHS Hastings and Rother are assisting with a confirmed case of Swine Influenza in an adult from East Sussex.

5 June 2009 - New cervical screening clinics

TWO new clinics are being held in Bexhill offering women vital cervical screening. The clinics are at Bexhill Health Centre, Bexhill Hospital, Holliers Hill, on Wednesday 17 June, 6pm-8pm (last appointment 7.40pm) Wednesday 15 July, 6pm-8pm (last appointment 7.40pm)

5 June 2009 - Help to beat those bugs on Bug Busting Day

ADVICE to tackle itchy problems will be on offer at Priory Meadow shopping centre, Hastings, on Thursday 11 June national Bug Busting Day.

3 June 2009 - New cases of swine flu confirmed within Sussex region

Dr Diana Grice, Director of Public Health for NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald and NHS Hastings and Rother, and Peter Hayward, Acting Director of Public Health for West Sussex PCT, said: Two further cases of Swine Influenza have been confirmed in Sussex

2 June 2009 - New case of swine flu confirmed within Sussex region

Dr Diana Grice, Director of Public Health for NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald and NHS Hastings and Rother, said: One case of swine flu in East Sussex has today been confirmed by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

27 May 2009 - New Health Trainers for Hastings and Rother

A groundbreaking project is set to help people in Hastings & Rother to lead healthier and longer lives. NHS Hastings and Rother and NHS East Sussex Community Health Services are launching a new Health Trainer service, which will see specifically trained local people helping others in their community to lead a healthier lifestyle.

29 April 2009 - Swine flu update

16 April 2009 - Your views wanted on our annual report

Details of how you can give your views on what should be in our annual report

31 March 2009 - Moxy Malone getting the message across about antibiotics

Health officials in East Sussex are using a cartoon character to help them get the message across to local people about the correct use of antibiotics.

25 March 2009 - Government minister visits site of new NHS centre in Hastings

Jonathan Shaw, Minister for the South East, today visited East Sussex (Tuesday 24th March 2009) to mark the start of building work on the eagerly awaited NHS Station Plaza Primary Care Centre, right in the heart of Hastings.

18 March 2009 - Work gets underway on the new Station Plaza Primary Care Centre

Work is underway on the eagerly awaited NHS Primary Care Centre at Station Plaza in Hastings, which is due to open next year.

17 March 2009 - New telephone number for NHS service here to help

A service offering people across East Sussex information, advice and support on NHS services has launched a new telephone number.

17 March 2009 - Carers Roadshow in Bexhill

A community bus will be in Bexhill on Wednesday 1 April to promote carers issues and to give advice for general well-being and health improvement.

16 March 2009 - New Director of Finance appointed

A NEW Director of Finance and Investment has been appointed to join the executive team and Boards of NHS Hastings and Rother & NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald the two East Sussex primary care trusts (PCTs).

13 March 2009 - Details of proposals for maternity services in East Sussex published

The possible shape of future maternity services in East Sussex has been laid out in a set of new proposals.

10 March 2009 - A change for the better

A radical shake-up of day services in the county offers new hope to people with mental health issues. With life-changing potential, the new reforms will mean day centres in East Sussex focus on recovery, inclusion and a return to employment.

9 March 2009 - Women in East Sussex urged to get cervical screening

The case of reality TV star Jade Goody, who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, has brought the issue of cervical screening into the spotlight. The Public Health team at NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald and NHS Hastings and Rother are urging all local women over 25 years of age to make sure they are screened regularly.

5 March 2009 - Cook for one classes

FREE cooking sessions are on offer for older men with little or no experience in the kitchen.

3 March 2009 - Plenty going on to mark No Smoking Day

The East Sussex Stop Smoking Service is marking Stop Smoking Day on March 11th by offering help and advice to the public at events across the county.

27 February 2009 - World Class Commissioning results

NHS Hastings and Rother has today published its first assurance report for World Class Commissioning (WCC), a ground-breaking health programme designed to deliver significant benefits for local people.

25 February 2009 - A stronger voice for disabled people

Despite the doom and gloom of economic recession, floods, ice and snow - a number of us are celebrating! More than fifty people from across the county have gathered together to mark the launch of the Disabled Peoples Participation Group.

23 February 2009 - Patients urged to help save the NHS millions of pounds lost on wasted medicines

Every day people bring back bags of full of unwanted medicines. Recently, a large bag was returned to a pharmacy in Hastings containing drugs which cost the NHS over £6,500 and will now have to be sent for safe destruction.

18 February 2009 - Local people urged to become ''Expert Patients''.

When Linda King from East Sussex was diagnosed with a long term medical condition four years ago, she went on a free course to help her cope.

11 February 2009 - Lack of exercise estimated to be costing NHS millions of pounds

Research commissioned by the Department of Health estimates that physical inactivity is costing the NHS in East Sussex over £10 million a year.

16 February 2009 - Local GP consortium to run new Walk In Centre in Hastings

NHS Hastings and Rother is pleased to announce that a contractor has been successfully appointed to run the new Walk In Centre in Hastings.

9 February 2009 - Improving life chances

Life's hard, especially when you are disadvantaged by ill health or disability. That's why people in East Sussex are being asked to speak out. We want to hear the experiences of people living with a long-term health condition, physical disability or sensory impairment - and what type of support would make a real difference to their lives.

9 February 2009 - Praise for East Sussex drug and alcohol treatment services

Services for people with drug and alcohol problems in East Sussex have scored well in the most recent official review by the Healthcare Commission and National Treatment Agency.

30 January 2009 - Foetal Alcohol Syndrome

Recent research shows that people dont know enough about the dangers to developing babies of drinking in pregnancy and consequences for their future lives.

30 January 2009 - Free blood pressure checks

SHOPPERS will be able to have a blood pressure check and get expert advice about stroke prevention at the Priory Meadow shopping centre, Hastings, on Wednesday 4 February.

30 January 2009 - New stroke strategy for East Sussex

A new strategy has been launched aimed at helping people in East Sussex to avoid having a stroke, as well as giving them more support and better treatment if they do suffer one.

27 January 2009 - Best of Health Awards 2009

Members of the public, patients and carers are being urged to nominate someone from their local health or social care services for the Best of Health Awards 2009.

27 January 2009 - New NHS constitution

NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald and NHS Hastings and Rother have welcomed the first ever NHS Constitution which was signed last week at a historic ceremony at Downing Street.

22 January 2009 - 'Able to chase the girls again'

Eighty one year old William Brown, who lives in Cooden, has thanked the local NHS respiratory team for helping him to improve his health and enjoy life again following treatment for a lung condition.

20 January 2009 - Using the right NHS service

People in East Sussex are being urged to make use of the right NHS service and only dial 999 for an ambulance or visit hospital accident & emergency departments in an emergency.

20 January 2009 - New NHS website launched

People in East Sussex will find it easier to get the information they want on local NHS services after the launch of a new website.

16 January 2009 - 'You are never too old to catch measles'

You are never too old to catch measles, thats the message from public health experts in East Sussex who are launching the latest phase in a programme to get young people in the county vaccinated against the disease.

8 January 2009 - Drama to help youngsters quit smoking

Pupils in secondary schools in East Sussex will be getting support to quit smoking this month, with help from the local NHS Stop Smoking Service and performances of a play called Smoke.

8 January 2009 - Patient survey launched

More than forty thousand patients across East Sussex are being asked for their views on how to improve family doctor services in a new survey launched by the Department of Health this week.